Call 999 immediately if you suspect a heart attack
Typical symptoms are chest pain or tightness that may spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back, often with sweating, breathlessness, nausea or a feeling of dread. Symptoms can be milder or different — especially in women, older people and those with diabetes — so do not wait to be sure.
Call 999 straight away. While waiting, sit and rest; if advised and not allergic, an adult can chew a 300 mg aspirin.
What happens next
In hospital an ECG and a blood test (troponin) help confirm the diagnosis. The main treatment for a major heart attack is to reopen the blocked artery quickly, usually with an emergency procedure (primary PCI).
Afterwards, medicines and cardiac rehabilitation reduce the risk of another event.
Common questions
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
A heart attack is a circulation problem (a blocked artery) and the person is usually conscious. A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping and the person collapses and is unresponsive — start CPR and call 999.
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